Brussels

Senior Public Affairs Manager: Strategic Industry & Economic Security

Languages: Dutch (native), English (fluent)

 

Role                                                                       

Senior Public Affairs Manager with strong expertise in EU energy, industrial and transport policy. Operating at the intersection of business, government and European decision-making, you translate complex regulatory developments into clear strategic positioning and actionable advice for clients.                                                                               

Ability to combine sharp political instinct with analytical depth and commercial awareness. A seasoned public affairs professional in Brussels, who can build long-term, trust-based relationships and thoroughly understands the EU political decision-making and how to navigate institutional dynamics at EU level.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead public affairs strategies on energy transition, infrastructure, ports and industrial policy. Advise on core EU policy themes across industry and transport, including:                                                                      
    • Competitiveness & strategic autonomy                    
    • Industrial and transport decarbonisation                    
    • Infrastructure investment and cross-border connectivity                    
    • Regulatory simplification and investment climate                    
    • Digitalisation and economic security                    
    • Advancing the circular economy          
  • Translate policy developments into strategic advice, positioning papers and stakeholder strategies.
  • Maintain and expand networks across ministries, parliament, agencies, European institutions and industry associations.
  • Accompany and represent clients in stakeholder dialogues, consultations and high-level policy discussions.
  • Contribute actively to business development and proposal writing.
  • Lead, with other seniors, on Publyon’s own marketing and communications.
  • Report directly to the Management Team and contribute to the company’s strategic direction.
  • Mentor junior colleagues and strengthen internal knowledge development.                                                                      

 

Profile

  • 6–10+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy advisory or a related environment.
  • Strong knowledge of EU energy, industrial and/or port policy.
  • Excellent command of Dutch and English (spoken and written).
  • Strategic thinker with strong political antenna and stakeholder sensitivity.
  • Comfortable operating independently in a client-facing leadership role.
  • Commercially aware and able to identify growth opportunities. 
  • Team-oriented with mentoring capabilities.                                        

 

Personal Development & Growth Path  

We believe senior professionals should continue to grow. This role includes a structured development framework:  

  1. Strategic Deepening

  • Exposure to cross-sectoral dossiers (climate, innovation, competition, economic security).
  • Development into a trusted board-level advisor.                                             

 

  1. Leadership Development          
  • Tailored coaching trajectory.
  • Mentoring and supervision of junior consultants.
  • Gradual expansion of team leadership responsibilities. 

        

  1. Commercial & Entrepreneurial Growth
  • Active role in client acquisition and sector development.
  • Development of thematic propositions (e.g. hydrogen, maritime decarbonisation).
  • Contribution to the firm’s strategic positioning.
  • Contribution to the firm’s marketing and external communications

 

  1. European Exposure
  • Structured involvement in Brussels-based engagements.
  • Expansion of EU institutional network.   

 

Application procedure

To apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter (in English) explaining why you would be the right candidate for this position to Els Brands at e.brands@publyon.com. Applications should be sent as soon as possible and no later than 13 March with ‘Application Senior Public Affairs Manager ’ as subject line.

 

Junior Public Affairs Consultant

Languages: French (native), English (fluent)

 

We are Publyon

Publyon is looking for a French-speaking Junior Public Affairs Consultant to support on both national public affairs issues in Belgium, Luxembourg and France, as well as EU affairs-related campaigns.

We are strategic advisors in Public Affairs, dedicated to empowering organisations in preparing for the future, especially in the following sectors: sustainability, digitalisation, transport, industry & energy.  

Our brand encapsulates the essence of ‘public’ and ‘beyond’, showcasing our relentless commitment to surpassing boundaries to enhance our services.  

Publyon supports frontrunners who want to leave a meaningful legacy and share our values. We partner with our clients, connect with many stakeholders and share our expertise to build bridges between policymakers and organisations to ensure a sustainable future.  

Making organisations future-proof while societal complexity grows is a tough job. We can only succeed when we do it together, dare to lead and have fun on the go!  

We are looking for a highly motivated junior consultant to support our Public Affairs team.

 

As a Junior EU Public Affairs Consultant you are responsible for:

  • Participating in the coordination of complex public affairs programs across multiple teams;
  • Structuring internal workflows, timelines and reporting processes to ensure smooth delivery;
  • Tracking institutional activities and political & policy developments in a wide variety of interest areas at Belgian, Luxembourgish and French – local, regional and national – level, as well as at EU level;
  • Supporting market analysis and client portfolio expansion;
  • Supporting in designing public affairs strategies, in defining priorities, and in implementing actions;
  • Supporting in translating clients’ broader business objectives into impactful public affairs initiatives;
  • Engaging in strategic outreach to key stakeholders;
  • Participating in Publyon’s external communications from designing priorities to writing comms materials for our blog and social media.

 

Who are you?

  • 2–3 years of professional experience in Belgian or French institutions and/or EU institutions;
  • Native-level French and fluent English; Dutch is an asset;
  • Interest in energy, land development and digital policy; prior experience in these fields is an asset;
  • Experience in project management is an advantage;
  • Excellent organisational skills;
  • Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities, and coordinate effectively with colleagues;
  • Previous consultancy experience is a plus;
  • Eager to network and attend events;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Strong analytical capabilities;
  • Business acumen and a strategic mindset.

 

What we offer

  • A dynamic and growing environment where personal development and growth are encouraged;
  • A team of international Public Affairs professionals who work hard, but also love to share fun moments together;
  • An attractive and competitive remuneration package including benefits;
  • A lively workplace at WeWork at the heart of Brussels near Belgian & EU institutions.

 

Application procedure

To apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter (in English) explaining why you would be the right candidate for this position to Els Brands e.brands@publyon.com. Applications should be sent as soon as possible and no later than 22 March 2026 with ‘Application Junior Public Affairs Consultant‘ as subject line.

 

 

The Hague

Please check the vacancies at The Hague office by clicking here.